Jeffrey's 19th Birthday!

Jeffrey finally turned 19! This means the anticipated adventure begins! We started with a trip to the temple, then his Missionary Farewell Talk, Open House, and then off to the MTC! Enjoy the photo journey below. Future posts about the MTC and Argentina will be on his missionary blog: elderangell.blogspot.com.

For his birthday, he enjoyed alot of sushi and seafood!

His presents focused around Mission Prep and Music.

Nick gave him a completed Pedigree Chart.

Megan hemmed up his temple pants.

Mom and Dad provided misc. items needed for his mission: first aid kit, sewing kit, shoe shine kit, medicines, alarm clock, repellent, etc.

He also received a Piano Classics Book as requested, and a Boston CD.

He requested a white cake with vanilla cream layers, and white frosting.

Jeffrey received his endowments at the Birmingham, AL Temple. What a wonderful weekend! Dear friends shared in this special occasion: the Ketchums, Nelsons, and Moores.

Jeffrey gave an amazing farewell talk. His topic - D&C 4 - Missionary Work. He did a great job expounding on this chapter using multiple scriptures from all of the standard works. I knew then that he was ready for the mission field. He ended his talk with the following musical number that he arranged himself. I wish I could have recorded the original because it was very heartfelt. He best expresses his emotions and feelings while he plays the piano.

We recorded this version after church at home.

That night we had an Open House for him so friends could come say goodbye and express their love and support. I wasn't very excited to host an open house because of the work involved, but with the help of my dear husband and wonderful friends, it turned out great!

Over 100 people came! He sure felt loved!